Isis' Close Call and Elina's Triumph

For the uninitiated, there are two LGBT participants this cycle: Isis, Top Model's first transgender contestant, whom we've written about extensively (and who the press have either lauded or blasted), and Elina, a girl who does not define herself as lesbian or even bi, but merely "very sexual." She does, however, define herself as crushing hard on fellow model/blonde bomshell Clark.

Elina (or should we call her "Angelina" for her Jolie-like features?) had a killer night. She not only smooched Clark in the hot tub in a game of truth or dare ("She has soft lips!" Elina proclaimed), she also won the posing challenge with Benny Ninja (don't you love him?), and gave a strong performance at the photo shoot. She is clearly a girl to watch out for.

Isis' fateful photo (Courtesy of The CW)

And then there was Isis, having a polar opposite experience. Last week, during the season premiere, I pegged Isis as a real contender. The judges had gone bananas for her fierce posing at the "get out the vote" photo shoot, with Tyra even calling her name second at the end of the episode, showing a real belief Isis could deliver the goods. And yet, this week, when it came to posing on a ladder in the face of a giant wind machine with crazy-long hair extensions (Top Model is anything but subtle), the poor girl could just not bring it. And when it came time for panel, Paulina was having none of Isis. Transgender or no, these judges mean business and are obviously treating Isis as they should: like just another girl.

Sadly, Isis was on the chopping block. Luckily, she was pitted against that super-skinny broad who kept interrupting Tyra. And nobody gets away with interrupting Ms. Banks. So Chatty Cathy was sent home, and Isis was kept on for another week with the instruction to believe in herself, soften her face, and stop dressing like a kid in elementary school.

About GLAAD

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. More about GLAAD >>